Why Houston will win: Their two stars, Harden and Howard, are better than Aldridge and Lillard. They have developed a solid defense this year, while the Blazers still struggle at that end. Rockets coach Kevin McHale dwarfs the Blazers' Terry Stotts in playoff experience, and the same could be said of the players.

Why Portland will win: Beverley and Howard both have spent most of April nursing injuries, and the Blazers have the weapons to expose those shortcomings if they are not fully healed. Portland also has one of the best offenses in the NBA, and that could be in full effect if the Rockets try to push the tempo, as they often do.

Did you know? These teams met in the first round in 2009, but only two players are still around from that series: Aldridge and teammate Nicolas Batum. The Rockets have had a complete roster makeover in the past five years.

Howard developed his rebounding skill at an early age, averaging a double-double as a 19-year-old rookie. He led the NBA in rebounds per game four times in his final five seasons with the Magic.
Eric Gay, AP

Before being beset by injuries in recent seasons, Howard was one of the most reliable big men in the NBA. He played all 82 games in each of his first four seasons and only missed seven in his first seven combined.
Paul Connors, AP

Shaquille O'Neal didn't shown much respect to Howard as a player and still doesn't as an analyst. Both were No. 1 picks by the Magic who then went to the Lakers, both centers known for their strength and athleticism, both Superman enthusiasts.
Greg M. Cooper, USA TODAY Sports

The Magic brought back Hedo Turkoglu in 2011 with hopes of keeping Howard, but they never quite found the same page they had been on during their five seasons together from 2004 through 2009.
Chuck Burton, AP

After months of speculation, the Magic dealt Howard to the Lakers in a four-team August 2012 trade. The Lakers gave up center Andrew Bynum for him, while the Magic received a package of players including former 76ers center Nikola Vucevic and Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports

Howard signed with the Rockets in the 2013 offseason after rejecting the Lakers and several other suitors. One reason was James Harden, the promising shooting guard whom he pairs so well with.
Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports